After their 0-1 defeat to hosts Vanuatu in the Group A opening match on Saturday, 15 June, the Solomon Islands find themselves in a must-win situation in their next group match if they are to stay in contention for a place in the semifinals.
They will face the New Zealand All Whites in their second group match on Tuesday, 18 June. Solomon Islands Coach Jacob Moli emphasized the challenge posed by New Zealand, noting their technical prowess and the professional status of most players in an interview with OFC media today.
“We really have to be on our game to match up against them,” Coach Moli said. “We have no other options but to step up because a loss would mean we’re out of the competition. We need a different mindset, going in there to fight for everything.”
With New Caledonia eliminated from the group, Group A now comprises New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, reducing the group to three teams. It is crucial for all three teams to win their first games in the group stage. Vanuatu has one foot in the semifinals after their victory on Saturday.
Solomon Islands must defeat the All Whites and hope for a favorable outcome in the Vanuatu vs New Zealand match on Friday, 21 June.
The match between New Zealand and Solomon Islands on Tuesday kicks off at 3 pm at VFF Fresh Water Stadium in Port Vila.
